Jazz On Newburgh Waterfront Planning Well Underway

NEWBURGH – In summer 2007 a true “All American City” hosted a flagship event, the Newburgh Jazz Series 2007. On the City of Newburgh’s waterfront, with the Hudson River as a backdrop, it was a perfectly exquisite locale.  Founder and produced of the series, Aquanetta Wright of Ferry Godmother Productions states, “this first class event proved that jazz devotees and enthusiasts don’t necessarily have to travel to New York City to hear top-notch musicians.”  The Newburgh Jazz Series is a historic event proving that collaborative effort between city government, businesses and art professionals could work together for the greater cause.  With the planning underway there will be many exiting music events scheduled for the 2008 summer series.  For details about the series and other upcoming Ferry Godmother events visit www.FerryGodmother.com or www.NewburghJazzSeries.com or call 845 926-8868.

As the entire Newburgh Jazz Series presented some extraordinary professional entertainers, only a few have been chosen to return this year. With contract negotiations coming to a close and the line up almost complete, this year promises to be yet another year of exciting music.  One of the most exciting details about Newburgh Jazz Series ’08 is this year’s headliner will be the US Military band “Jazz Knight”.

The Newburgh Jazz Series has many new sponsors this year. Because of the high visibility in the media and marketing opportunities as well as the thousands which attended the series last year, many businesses recognized a great partnership opportunity. There has also been an increase in individual sponsors—those many community members who love the idea of quality public events; love the city of Newburgh; and want to help facilitate the entire series to ensure that it is made available free of charge.  Some of our major sponsors are: CSEA (NYS leading union), Blue Stone Developers, Hudson Valley Magazine, Times Community News, Delaware & Hudson Canvas, and the Hudson Valley Press. We also have community based organizations represented including the Newburgh Performing Arts Academy and Local Awareness and Development.

For 8 weeks last year concert-goers were continually delighted by local and regional talent.   Entertainers including; Michael Jackson, Michael Torsone, Llama Dollies, DuoMoutief, Skydyne Jazz Project, Betty MacDonald Quartet, Chris Sullivan, Matt Jordan, Saints of Swing,  Ernie Colon Latin & Soul Ensemble, New York Swing Exchange, Swing Shift Orchestra and The Big Band Sound.  The event highlighted jazz professionals who have called Newburgh home, including the 50 year jazz diva Lillie Howard,  Neil Alexander & Nail, and Chris Sullivan.  Seeking to create an atmosphere of highly charged jazz entertainment and great name recognition, Richard Pryor Jr. was the series headliner.  Understanding the mission of the Ferry Godmother, Mr. Pryor wanted to assist with making the event a success by giving a special guest performance with the incredible band of Bill Gulino Quartet.